Job Summary
At Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, every team member plays an essential role in advancing our mission to serve vulnerable individuals and families with compassion and dignity. As part of our team, you will contribute to a wide range of services aimed at fostering hope, healing, and empowerment within the communities we serve.
The Unit Supervisor (Youth Advocate III) provides direct supervision to Youth Advocate staff and ensures the safe, structured, and trauma-informed operation of one or more residential units at Catholic Charities IEC Children’s Home. This position plays a critical leadership role during assigned shifts by modeling best practices, coordinating staffing and programming, ensuring youth safety, and responding to behavioral and environmental incidents. Unit Supervisors work closely with clinical, case management, and nursing teams to ensure daily routines, treatment plans, and individual service goals are carried out with consistency and compassion.
Key Responsibilities
Unit Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Provide active supervision, coaching, and direction to Youth Advocate staff during assigned shifts.
- Monitor staff performance, time management, and adherence to daily schedules and unit routines.
- Facilitate shift changes, communicate with outgoing and incoming teams, and ensure clear handoff of information.
- Support new Youth Advocates with onboarding, on-the-job training, and modeling trauma-informed care.
- Report staff performance concerns and participate in corrective feedback processes when needed.
Youth Safety & Program Support
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-youth ratios in compliance with CCI licensing requirements.
- Ensure youth supervision, engagement, and safety at all times; including during transitions, activities, and overnight.
- Intervene during behavioral crises using approved de-escalation and physical intervention methods (e.g., Safety-Care) when needed.
- Monitor youth engagement and emotional well-being and communicate concerns to clinical and case management staff.
- Ensure the unit environment is clean, organized, and therapeutically structured.
Documentation & Communication
- Oversee accurate completion of daily logs, incident reports, observation notes, and shift reports.
- Ensure all documentation is completed within agency timelines and meets licensing, contractual, and internal standards.
- Communicate clearly with Program Managers, medical and clinical staff, and MDT members regarding incidents and staff/youth needs.
- Maintain awareness of youth behavior plans, treatment goals, and medication protocols; ensure staff adherence.
Qualifications
· High school diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred.
· Must be 21 years of age or older.
· Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a residential, psychiatric, shelter, or foster care setting.
· At least 1 year of leadership, mentorship, or supervisory experience required.
· Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and behavior support techniques.
· Ability to lead a team in a high-stress, emotionally dynamic environment.
Personal Attributes Anticipated
- Mission-Driven: Demonstrates a deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, and incorporates them into daily work
- Collaborative Team Player: Thrives in a team environment, contributing positively and working effectively with others to achieve shared goals
- Solution-Oriented Problem Solver: Proactively identifies challenges and develops practical, innovative solutions to address them
- Culturally Sensitive: Demonstrates awareness and respect for the cultural diversity of both colleagues and clients, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
- Integrity: Upholds a strong moral character, consistently doing what is right, and responsibly using time and resources to serve the organization’s mission
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- This position is on-site and may not be eligible for remote work
- Attendance at occasional meetings or events outside regular business hours is required
- The role involves working with sensitive or potentially traumatic information and direct interaction with individuals or families in crisis
- Physical requirements include frequent use of hands for handling objects, tools, or controls; talking, bending, squatting, twisting, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds
- Vision requirements include close-up work, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus
- The work environment may involve varying degrees of physical discomfort and occasional loud noise
- Occasional driving, potentially with Clients, during the workday may be needed for operational purposes
- Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Comments:
This job description is intended to outline the essential functions, general supplementary tasks, and key requirements for successful performance in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned, and management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.
